Apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track is described. The apparatus includes a track mount and a first utility track coupled with and parallel to the track mount, the first utility track having a first inner radius. The apparatus also includes a second utility track coupled with and parallel to the track mount, the second utility track having a second inner radius different from the first inner radius.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/828,239, filed Jul. 25, 2007, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

The invention is in the field of Recreational Vehicle Accessories.

2) Description of Related Art

Accessories for recreational vehicles (RVs) are often incorporated viautility tracks in awning tubes compatible with the RVs. FIG. 1illustrates a cross-sectional view representing an awning tube havingthree single-slot utility tracks, in accordance with the prior art.Referring to FIG. 1, an awning tube 100 has utility tracks 102 formedtherein. The awning tube is the part of a retractable awning onto whichthe awning fabric is attached. Various accessories may be included foruse with the RV by inserting accessories designed for installation intoutility track 102. However, the utility tracks 102 of an RV awning tube100 are single-slot utility tracks, as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, theutility tracks 102 are arranged in such a fashion that only one utilitytrack may typically be accessed (i.e. the other utility tracks may becovered by awning fabric or may have an orientation incompatible withthe use of more than one accessory at a time). Therefore, under typicaloperating conditions, only one utility track 102 within an awning tube100 can generally be used.

Thus, an apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in anawning tube utility track is described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view representing an awning tubehaving three single-slot utility tracks, in accordance with the priorart.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate end-on and angled views representing apparatusesfor increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utilitytrack, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate end-on views representing apparatuses forincreasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an end-on view representing an apparatus forincreasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate end-on views representing apparatuses forincreasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates end-on views representing apparatuses for increasingthe number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an end-on view representing an asymmetric apparatusfor increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utilitytrack, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in an awningtube utility track is described. In the following description, numerousspecific details are set forth, such as shapes and materialcompositions, in order to provide a thorough understanding of thepresent invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe present invention may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known manufacturing processes, such asextrusion, molding, casting and stamping techniques, are not describedin detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the various embodiments shownin the Figures are illustrative representations and are not necessarilydrawn to scale.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for increasing the number of utilityslots in an awning tube utility track. The apparatus may comprise atrack mount and at least two utility tracks coupled with and parallel tothe track mount. In one embodiment, each utility track comprises a firstopening parallel to the track mount and a second opening orthogonal tothe track mount.

An apparatus that increases the number of utility slots in an awningtube utility track may provide more accessible locations forincorporating RV accessories. For example in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention, at least two RV accessories can beincorporated into an RV awning tube via an apparatus that increases thenumber of utility slots in an awning tube utility track. In a specificembodiment, the RV accessories are selected from the group consisting ofa patio room, a shade, a lighting fixture and a banner, or other RVawning accessories designed for use in the awning tube utility track.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate end-on (FIG. 2A) and angled (FIG. 2B) viewsrepresenting apparatuses for increasing the number of utility slots inan awning tube utility track, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 2A, an apparatus 200A forincreasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility trackis comprised of a track mount 202A and two utility tracks 204 coupledwith track mount 202A. Each utility track 204 has an end opening 206 anda side opening 208.

Referring to FIG. 2B, utility tracks 204 are parallel with track mount202B. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, sideopenings 208 are also parallel with track mount 202B. In a specificembodiment, end openings 206 are orthogonal to track mount 202B, asillustrated in FIG. 2B. However, the actual orientation of end openings206 may vary, e.g. they may be slanted relative to track mount 202B.Thus, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, end openings 206 are oriented approximately 45 degrees totrack mount 202B.

The shape of a track mount of an apparatus for increasing the number ofutility slots in an awning tube utility track may be any shape suitablefor sliding into and remaining inside of an awning tube utility track.Apparatuses 200A and 200B shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively,represent two-different views of the same utility tracks, 204 having endopenings 206 and side openings 208 coupled with a track mount. However,for illustrative purposes and in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention, the cross-section of track mount 202A of FIG. 2A isT-shaped, while the cross-section of track mount 202B of FIG. 2B iscircular-shaped.

The dimensions of an apparatus for increasing the number of utilityslots in an awning tube utility track may be any dimensions suitable forboth sliding the apparatus into and remaining inside of an awning tubeutility track, while providing utility slots having dimensionscompatible for incorporating desired RV accessories. For example, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention and referring toFIG. 2A, apparatus 200A has a width “a” of approximately 0.84 inches anda height “b” of approximately 0.94 inches. In a specific embodiment,utility track 204 has an outer diameter “c” of approximately 0.46 inchesand an inner diameter “d” in the range of 0.28-0.30 inches and sideopening 208 has a width “e” of approximately 0.15 inches. Theorientation of side openings 208 may be any suitable orientation thatenables the use of more than one RV accessory at a time. For example, inthe case of an apparatus 200A having two utility tracks 204 (as shown inFIG. 2A), the axes of side openings 208 are directed approximately 60degrees away from one another (where 0 degrees would encompass both sideopenings 208 pointing precisely downward). In one embodiment, the length“f” of apparatuses 200A and 200B is approximately 3 feet. However, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention, severalapparatuses of lesser, the same or greater length may be used togetherend-on-end to achieve a desired length for a particular RV accessory. Inan alternative embodiment, the length of track mounts 202A and 202B isdifferent from the length of utility tracks 204.

An apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in an awningtube utility track may be comprised of any material suitable forproviding durability while incorporating desired RV accessories. Inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention, track mount 202A(or 202B) and all utility tracks 204 are comprised of substantially thesame material. In one embodiment, track mount 202A (or 202B) and allutility tracks 204 are comprised of a material selected from the groupconsisting of rigid polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styreneplastic, fiberglass and a metallic species. In a specific embodiment,track mount 202A (or 202B) and all utility tracks 204 are comprised of ametallic species selected from the group consisting of aluminum andsteel.

The cross-sectional shape of each utility track 204 in an apparatus forincreasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility trackis not limited to circular-shaped, as is illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.For example, FIGS. 3A-B illustrate end-on views representing apparatusesfor increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utilitytrack, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. In one alternative embodiment, referring to FIG. 3A, thecross-sectional shape of each utility track 304A is square-shaped. Inanother alternative embodiment, referring to FIG. 3B, thecross-sectional shape of each utility track 304B is octagonal-shaped.

The relative arrangement of each utility track in an apparatus forincreasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility trackis not limited to being directly adjacent (abutted) to one another, asis illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B. For example, FIG. 4illustrates an end-on view representing an apparatus for increasing thenumber of utility slots in an awning tube utility track, in accordancewith an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 4, an adjoining bar 410 couples utility tracks 404 with track mount402, while utility tracks 404 are separated from one another.

The number of utility tracks in an apparatus for increasing the numberof utility slots in an awning tube utility track is not limited to two,as is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. For example, FIGS. 5A-B illustrateend-on views representing apparatuses for increasing the number ofutility slots in an awning tube utility track, in accordance with analternative embodiment of the present invention. In one alternativeembodiment, referring to FIG. 5A, the number of utility tracks 504A isthree and the cross-sectional centers of all utility tracks 504A arenon-planar. In another alternative embodiment, referring to FIG. 5B, thenumber of utility tracks 504B is three and the cross-sectional centersof all utility tracks 504B are co-planar.

The number of apparatuses for increasing the number of utility slots inan awning tube utility track is not limited to one. For example, FIG. 6illustrates end-on views representing apparatuses for increasing thenumber of utility slots in an awning tube utility track, in accordancewith an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Referring tothe examples provided in FIG. 6, the present invention encompasses allpermutations and combinations of using multiple apparatuses forincreasing the number of utility slots in a single awning tube utilitytrack.

In another aspect of the present invention, the sizing of one utilitytrack relative to another may be different on the same track mount toprovide an asymmetric apparatus. FIG. 7 illustrates an end-on viewrepresenting an asymmetric apparatus for increasing the number ofutility slots in an awning tube utility track, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, an apparatus 700 for increasing the number ofutility slots in an awning tube utility track includes a track mount 702and a first utility track 704 coupled with and parallel to track mount702. First utility track 704 has a first inner radius (a). A secondutility track 706 is coupled with and parallel to track mount 702 andhas a second inner radius (b) different from the first inner radius (a).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each utilitytrack 702 and 704 includes a first opening 708 parallel to track mount702 and a second opening 710 orthogonal to track mount 702. The end-onaspect of apparatus 700 may further have a slanted profile which wouldbe into or out of the page, providing an angled end. In one embodiment,track mount 702 has a cross-sectional shape selected from the groupconsisting of circular-shaped and T-shaped. In one embodiment, eachutility track 704 and 706 has a cross-sectional shape selected from thegroup consisting of circular-shaped, square-shaped and octagonal-shaped.In one embodiment, track mount 702 and the first and second utilitytracks 704 and 706 are comprised of substantially the same material. Ina specific embodiment, track mount 702 and the first and second utilitytracks 704 and 706 are comprised of a material selected from the groupconsisting of rigid polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styreneplastic, fiberglass and a metallic species. In an embodiment, the width(c) of apparatus 700 is approximately 1 inch, the height (d) ofapparatus 700 is approximately 1.12 inches, first utility track 704 hasan outer diameter (e) of approximately 0.46 inches and an inner diameter(a) in the range of 0.28-0.30 inches, the first opening 708 of firstutility track 704 has a width of approximately 0.15 inches, secondutility track 706 has an outer diameter (f) of approximately 0.64 inchesand an inner diameter (b) in the range of 0.47-0.49 inches, the firstopening 708 of second utility track 706 has a width of approximately0.43 inches, and track mount 702 has a length of approximately 3 feet.

It is to be understood that the asymmetric apparatuses contemplatedherein are not limited to the above dimensions. For example, one utilitytrack may be sized to be suitable to receive conventional RVaccessories, while the second utility track may be sized to receive,e.g., rope lights. It may be that the above dimensions are suitable forsuch a scenario. For example, rope lights, different from a string oflights, may have diameters from ⅜ of an inch to ½ an inch, but otherdiameters may be used. The second track mount may be sized accordingly.In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the firstutility track 704 is configured and sized to receive another likeapparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tubeutility track.

In an embodiment, a method of increasing the number of utility slots inan awning tube utility track includes providing an apparatus including atrack mount and a first utility track coupled with and parallel to thetrack mount. The first utility track has a first inner radius. Theapparatus also includes a second utility track coupled with and parallelto the track mount, the second utility track having a second innerradius different from the first inner radius. The method furtherincludes inserting the apparatus into an awning tube utility track.

In an embodiment, the track mount has a cross-sectional shape selectedfrom the group consisting of circular-shaped and T-shaped. In anembodiment, each utility track has a cross-sectional shape selected fromthe group consisting of circular-shaped, square-shaped andoctagonal-shaped. In an embodiment, the track mount and the first andsecond utility tracks are comprised of substantially the same material.In an embodiment, the width of the apparatus is approximately 1 inch,the height of the apparatus is approximately 1.12 inches, the firstutility track has an outer diameter of approximately 0.46 inches and aninner diameter in the range of 0.28-0.30 inches, the first opening ofthe first utility track has a width of approximately 0.15 inches, thesecond utility track has an outer diameter of approximately 0.64 inchesand an inner diameter in the range of 0.47-0.49 inches, the firstopening of the second utility track has a width of approximately 0.43inches, and the track mount has a length of approximately 3 feet. In anembodiment, the method further includes providing a second apparatusincluding a second track mount and two or more utility tracks coupledwith and parallel to the second track mount, and inserting the secondapparatus into the apparatus.

Thus, an apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in anawning tube utility track has been disclosed. In one embodiment, theapparatus comprises a track mount and at least two utility trackscoupled with and parallel to the track mount. In a specific embodiment,each utility track comprises a first opening parallel to the track mountand a second opening orthogonal to the track mount.

1. An apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track, the apparatus comprising: a track mount; a first utility track coupled with and parallel to the track mount, the first utility track having a first inner radius; and a second utility track coupled with and parallel to the track mount, the second utility track having a second inner radius different from the first inner radius.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each utility track comprises a first opening parallel to the track mount and a second opening orthogonal to the track mount.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the track mount has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of circular-shaped and T-shaped.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each utility track has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of circular-shaped, square-shaped and octagonal-shaped.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the track mount and the first and second utility tracks are comprised of substantially the same material.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the track mount and the first and second utility tracks are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rigid polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic, fiberglass and a metallic species.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the width of the apparatus is approximately 1 inch, wherein the height of the apparatus is approximately 1.12 inches, wherein the first utility track has an outer diameter of approximately 0.46 inches and an inner diameter in the range of 0.28-0.30 inches, wherein the first opening of the first utility track has a width of approximately 0.15 inches, wherein the second utility track has an outer diameter of approximately 0.64 inches and an inner diameter in the range of 0.47-0.49 inches, wherein the first opening of the second utility track has a width of approximately 0.43 inches, and wherein the track mount has a length of approximately 3 feet.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first utility track is configured and sized to receive another like apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track.
 9. A method of increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track, the method comprising: providing an apparatus comprising: a track mount; a first utility track coupled with and parallel to the track mount, the first utility track having a first inner radius; and a second utility track coupled with and parallel to the track mount, the second utility track having a second inner radius different from the first inner radius; and inserting the apparatus into an awning tube utility track.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the track mount has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of circular-shaped and T-shaped.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein each utility track has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of circular-shaped, square-shaped and octagonal-shaped.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the track mount and the first and second utility tracks are comprised of substantially the same material.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein each utility track comprises a first opening parallel to the track mount and a second opening orthogonal to the track mount.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the width of the apparatus is approximately 1 inch, wherein the height of the apparatus is approximately 1.12 inches, wherein the first utility track has an outer diameter of approximately 0.46 inches and an inner diameter in the range of 0.28-0.30 inches, wherein the first opening of the first utility track has a width of approximately 0.15 inches, wherein the second utility track has an outer diameter of approximately 0.64 inches and an inner diameter in the range of 0.47-0.49 inches, wherein the first opening of the second utility track has a width of approximately 0.43 inches, and wherein the track mount has a length of approximately 3 feet.
 15. The method of claim 9, further comprising: providing a second apparatus comprising a second track mount and two or more utility tracks coupled with and parallel to the second track mount; and inserting the second apparatus into the apparatus. 